The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) notes that every citizen is entitled to the freedom of Assembly and expression and that this right has been exercised by different groups in the country, including trade unions, professional bodies, students and individuals. It has been alleged in several complaints that in several instances where such rights were exercised, law enforcement officers have resorted to the use of tear gas, water cannon and carrying wooden rods as a crowd control mechanism to disperse protesters.

Download: HRCSL Press Notice on 12_03_2023